The Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) Sokoto/ Zamfara Area Command on Monday auctioned 11,270 liters of petrol it apprehended from smugglers at N180 per litre.
The Command’s Comptroller, Mr Kamal Muhammad, said the petroleum products were seized by the intelligence -driven tactical team in the border areas in Sokoto State.
Muhammad said the team code-named ‘ Whirlwind Tactical Team’, was assigned to combat smuggling of petroleum products to neighboring countries.
He explained that maritime and cross border smuggling of petroleum products has a negative impact on the overall supply chain of the product.
This is in addition to the possibility of funding of criminal activities with the proceeds.
” Even with the removal of subsidy, the smuggling of petrol brings about extra burden on the country both in terms of security of supply and securing of the scarce foreign exchange used to import the product.
” Comptroller General of Custom (CGC), Mr Bashir Adewale, inaugurated the team on May 22, 2024 and swung into action, ” he said.
The comptroller said the command also apprehended a 20-feet container truck containing pieces of railway tracks along Kajiji road in the state.
According to him, three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure who were suspected to be vandals of the nation’s railway lines.
He said the suspects could not offer valid explanations or tender documents on the consignment from Federal Ministry of Transport.
Muhammad said instead, the suspects made an overture to bribe the officers with N1.5 million and offered a part payment of N300, 000.
” Out of patriotism and integrity, the Officers chose the path of honour by detaining them at the Command Headquarters.
” NCS is poised to continue to protect Nigeria’s economic interest with dedication and integrity without fear or favour in tandem with the provision of the law, ” Muhammad added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the comptroller handed over the rail tracks, truck and graft money to the State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mr Alkali Argungu. (NAN)